Lindane (On the skin)

Introduction

Lindane (LIN-dane)

Brand Name(s)

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to lindane. This medicine should not be used on premature babies, patients who have seizures (epilepsy), or breastfeeding women. This medicine should not be used to treat crusted scabies.

How to Use This Medicine

Lotion, Shampoo

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Ask your pharmacist for the Medication Guide if you do not have one.

This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Do not use it on skin areas that have cuts or scrapes. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.

Lindane should be applied only to skin and hair that is dry. Shake well before using.

You should wear gloves if you are applying this medicine to someone else. Wear special gloves made of nitrile, latex with neoprene, or sheer vinyl. Do not use natural latex gloves because too much lindane can go through that kind of glove. If you are using this medicine on a baby or small child, you should cover the baby's hands and feet to prevent sucking and licking of the lotion.

To treat scabies: Apply a thin layer of lotion all over your body from the neck down. You should not use on your face or scalp. Leave lotion on for 8 to 12 hours. Wash it off in the bath or shower.

To treat pubic lice: Apply a thin layer to the pubic hair, working it down to the skin underneath. Spread to the groin, thighs, and lower stomach if these areas are also affected. Leave the medicine on for 12 hours. Wash it off in the bath or shower.

To treat head lice: Apply the shampoo to dry hair (about one ounce for short hair, one and one-half ounce for medium-length hair, and two ounces for long hair). Work thoroughly into your hair and wait 4 minutes. Add small amounts of water until a good lather forms. Do not wear a shower cap or any covering on your head while waiting for 4 minutes to pass. Rinse hair well with warm water and dry with a clean towel. Do not use oil-based products in your hair right after applying the medicine. Use a fine-toothed comb or tweezers to remove any nits (eggs) or nit shells. They look like small white dots.

If you have any oil-based products on your hair (ointment, cream, or oil), wash and dry your hair before using lindane.

Do not use more than 2 ounces of this medicine for 1 application. You should not use the medicine again unless your doctor tells you to.

Do not cover the treated area with a bandage unless your doctor has told you to.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze.

Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.

Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Do not use cosmetics or other skin care products on the treated skin areas. Do not use other hair products on the treated areas.

Tell your doctor if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant, or if you have liver disease, brain tumor, a head injury, or a history of seizures. Tell your doctor if you have HIV or AIDS, if you drink too much alcohol, or if you have had an allergic reaction to preservatives. Tell your doctor if you have used this medicine in the past few months.

Use lindane only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor tells you. This medicine can be harmful if you do not follow the directions exactly.

Most people will still have some itching after using this medicine to treat scabies. This is normal. You do not need to apply more of the medicine. It could take several weeks for the itching to go away.

All members of your household and your sexual partner or partners may also need this medicine. Talk to your doctor about this.

Do not use this medicine for a skin problem that has not been checked by your doctor.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Version Info

Last Reviewed on 06/12/2013

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